Legal Rights & Protections · Surprise rank #89
Discriminated Against in NY? File With the State for Free—No Lawyer Required
The New York State Division of Human Rights accepts discrimination complaints without a filing fee and does not require the complainant to hire a lawyer.
Who
People alleging covered discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education or other areas within DHR jurisdiction.
What to do
Start here: Use DHR's current online complaint process or call 844-697-3471. Since November 14, 2025, new complaints begin through the online forms/call-center process rather than ordinary mail or email filing.
Eligibility: The conduct must fall under the New York Human Rights Law and DHR's jurisdiction. For discrimination occurring on or after February 15, 2024, the filing deadline is generally three years from the most recent incident.
What you get
DHR can investigate covered discrimination claims and pursue administrative remedies when the Human Rights Law has been violated.
Benefit: Free state investigation/adjudication instead of having to begin with a privately funded lawsuit.
Possible value: No filing fee; remedies can include damages or other corrective relief depending on the case.
Good to know
Important: The three-year rule does not necessarily govern older incidents, and different court claims can have different deadlines. Filing late can destroy rights, so do not wait.
Availability: Active
Why people miss it: People may assume they need money for a lawyer before anyone will investigate discrimination.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026